DALLAS — Former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd has pleaded guilty to a drug-possession charge that will likely result in a lengthy prison sentence.

The 27-year-old Hurd pleaded guilty Thursday in Dallas federal court. He was charged with procession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute. His trial was scheduled to begin Monday.

Prosecutors allege Hurd was trying to obtain large amounts of cocaine and marijuana to build a drug-distribution network. Hurd was arrested in December 2011 after allegedly accepting cocaine from an undercover officer at a Chicago-area steakhouse. At the time, Hurd was a player for the Chicago Bears. Hurd played five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Bears in 2011. He was released after his arrest.

The dispute stems from different interpretations of the team’s 20-year lease agreement. The Warriors argue the team has no obligation to pay an estimated $40 million remaining debt for renovations to the arena once it departs for San Francisco next year, while Coliseum authority officials insists the team must cover the costs in full.